Customer Reviews

Abstract Logic

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hellborg is a top of the line bass player --with credentials to prove it-shawn lane is one of the most creative , innovative and expressive guitarists to have graced the earth in the last 30 years-a most unfortunate loss -as always this kind of talent can only attract a world class drummer-in this case-kofi baker -son of ginger--a must have for any serious listener

"Abstract Logic" was the first of many Hellborg/Lane collaborations and is also possibly the best. The songs are the most orchestrated out of all their discs. Also, there are solo pieces by every member of the band. "Serpents and Pigs" as well as "Rice with the Angels" showcase the abilities of all three members of the band in a group setting. Check out Kofi, Ginger's son, cleaning house on "Rice with the Angels". Why this is the only disc that he did with these guys is beyond me. "Pluie De Entincelles" is Shawn letting the world know that he can compose for and play the piano with the same amount of skill as he can with a guitar. Romantic period virtuosity is abound in this short piece. "Layla Attar" is the solo work from Jonas and bassists should be impressed by the Swede's fretless prowess. "Abstract Logic" is a thing of beauty. If the song didn't have an ending it would be proof of perpetual motion. This is the best tune on a disc of great tunes. Lane and Hellborg don't allow their solos to overtake the unique melody of this work. "Put the Shoe on the Other Foot" is Kofi Baker's polyrhythmic solo. It is also very good and will probably get you to ask the aforementioned question to yourself. "Throwing Elephant and Wrestling" is the closer to this too short disc. You will only be wanting more when this song ends. This Cd was the beginning for one of the greatest pairings in fusion history and what a start it was. Highly recommended for all.

This disc is fairly short - I don't have it with me but I think it's under 50 minutes - but what's packed into that time is some of the most excellent jazz fusion improv I've ever heard. Kofi Baker is on a par with Jeff Sipe in handling the odd syncopation and time signatures typical of Hellborg/Lane compositions. Hellborg shines on the bass solo piece "Layla Attar" but his frenetic interaction with Lane's rhythm, particularly on "Serpents & Pigs" is phenomenal.

Lane's guitar work, as on nearly everything he's ever recorded, ("NEARLY??" - Ok, delete that...,) is an absolute feast for anyone who loves the sound of the electric guitar.
But what really shocked me about this disc is the fact that Lane is as phenomenal on piano as he is on guitar - a fact amply demonstrated in his solo piano piece "Pluie de Etincelles", which could easily be mistaken for a Rachmaninoff Etude.
Anticipation of any release by Hellborg & Lane has become for me one of life's great pleasures, but to discover such "new" talent on piano is like finding treasure. I hope Lane records many, many more piano works in the future.

This album has been bouncing between "In print" and "Out of print" for years, so grab yours now - you will NOT be disappointed.

Great jazz fusion music at it's best, shawn lane a brillent guitar player, it will never be another one like him, and the bass player is excellent,the music is really great i'll reconmmend anybody to give this cd a listen.

Being a fan of Jonas Hellborg and Shawn Lane for years now,buying this album was a no brainer.I already had Personae and Zen House and this one is incredible to say the least.the compositions are strong, the playing is insane,what more could you ask for?It was great to hear Ginger's son Kofi Baker on drums and doing his solo piece which closes the album.I have the Bardo Records version and it lists Shawn as playing just guitar even though he does a solo piano piece.I wonder why?Shawn was one of the best if not the best guitarist to ever walk this earth!!!!And as good a keyboard player as well.I would recommend Abstract Logic to anyone hands down.

They must have re-released this baby. This is a genius album by three amazing musicians. I do like the original packaging far far better. But it's really the music that counts, which is some awesome improvisations and loosely based compositions. If you like Hellborg, or Shawn Lane, or Kofi Baker, you owe it to yourself to check this album out.

Have you ever listened to a solo piano piece and imagined a whole orchestra within the counterpunal parts of the duelling hands... then you won't believe the huge sound these three guys (only three!) make. Whoever said that Jazz was dead obviously hadn't heard this monster recording.

I really love this album. It is a diamond in the rough. Kofi Baker's drum solo and Jonas Hellborg's bass guitar solo are especially amazing.

Kofi Baker (son of legendary drummer Ginger Baker) is undoubtedly one of the best drummers in the world.

This music is sort of a cross between jazz and rock. I am not much of a jazz fan, mostly enjoying classic rock such as Led Zeppelin, the Moody Blues, the Who, Pink Floyd. If you like those groups you will love this album.

I have never heard this album, but I think its great